The best bookshop in the world
On the weekend, I happened upon this wonderful book store. When first entering I was expecting to see a quaint little store with some crumpled old books at cheap prices. Instead what I found was THE BEST BOOKSHOP IN THE WORLD – Here’s proof. (I did ask the bookshop for permission on taking these photo’s but in fear of appearing like a lesbian stalker, I didn’t ask the young girl for permission to take her photo)
Archives Fine Books, 40 Charlotte Street, Brisbane
When I entered deeper into the grotto of dust and the fine smell of old paper, I realised I was in a sanctuary of history. Each bookcase holding hundreds of books with thousands of pages. I couldn’t help but wonder just how many times each book had been read and how many hands and minds had scoured the pages inside these walls. It’s like sharing, with anonymous strangers. We get to share the same story, when you hold a used book you receive more than text on paper. You’re given someone else’s enjoyment or disdain, you share and involve yourself in another’s experience.
So, whilst I had a magical time, I wondered if anyone else has the same appreciation I do for books and the wonders they create within our imagination. I’m not sure when I’ll have time to read them, but I couldn’t leave without some souvenir’s.
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So, who knows a good book?
I remember the first serious book that I read, The Diamond Throne by David Eddings. It was about a queen who had become encased in diamond, and her champion Sparhawk who undertook an epic adventure to save her. Spanning over 6 books he was battling all sorts of monsters and evil beings and even some gods towards the end, it was awesome. I never thought I would be into reading books before then, and for a few years I had this compulsive reading habit, going through all of Mum’s many si-fi books.
These days reading feels like a chore, especially since digital media makes being entertained so much easier. But I still remember what it’s like to read a book, and how much richer they can be than just watching a 2hr movie. If only there was more time….
Yep… Reading a book is like having finely made swiss chocolate, and watching a movie is just regular milk chocolate from the supermarket. You’re not going to say no to it, because its usually quite enjoyable unless its a little old or you’ve had too much, but you could just keep eating it a little each night. haha
Sometimes I wish I could block the world out and bury my head in a good book.
My mum used to read so much all the time when I was growing up – Do you still read mum? Maybe we should take a lesson from her.
Oh and you just gave me a flashback to my first real book that I chose. Called ‘Why Me’ about a young girl with kidney disease. My Nana Smith bought it for me in a bookshop in Melbourne.
Anyone else remember their first book?
I remember that book too Don.
Oh what a lovely adventure to think of such things. Yes my first book that I remember reading was Mr Gallianos Circus… I read it over and over again. What a wonderful way to escape reality especially when it gets prickley. The feeling of time standing still whilst you travel the infinite possibilities of your imagination… It hears what u cannot hear it sees what u cannot see and it feels what your heart could not bare! Sometimes the experience of reading a book can be so vivid to me that I feel like I really experienced it, powerful to think a single thought can take us to a far away place. The smell of the book, the energy that lingers from the past reader, yes Donna you have described it all so perfectly. My favorite book of all time is by my favorite author… Paulo Cohelo “The Alcemist” written about the only thing in life
that truly matters… To follow ones own heart, to honor your own path. Thank you for reminding me of my love of reading and the Importance of shutting the external out for a moment to honor the inward journey that comes from reading a book. My inner child is smiling, thank you beautiful sister!
Ohh that’s what I always wanted, a little smiling Inner Tamara child.
Glad I could bring back some good memories for you. I wonder if you remember reading ‘One, Two, Ballerina Shoe’ to me. 
Just googled the Enid Blyton book and boy does that bring back memories of Nana Smiths bookshelf. I think there was a few Enid Blyton books there.
I feel immersed in a book too – like you, the experience feels almost real, you begin to know the characters, like old friends. Which is how I felt with some Wilbur Smith Novels. He did a series on ‘The Courtneys’ 13 Novels, following the courtney family for generations through 1660’s to 1987. I’ve only read a few of them, these books cradled me to sleep each night I worked on the farm in Townsville. I got to know the (fictional) Courtney’s of Africa pretty darn well. Thinking about visiting them for a cup of tea sometime…
I think we all should thank mum for instilling in us the love of reading. My favourite thing to do would be to snuggle up in bed all day with a good book and read it from cover to cover!
As a teacher it is so sad to see kids in prep, who start school not even knowing which way to hold a book, or that the idea of reading a book is to turn each page from left to right. I remember a boy named Jesse who I had in my grade 1 class a few years back, who told me he didnt have any books at home. Not a single book! (quite understandable that this kid could hardly write his own name!) I can’t imagine what his household was like. A house with no books??? I didn’t think it was possible. Of course I had to buy this child a book. Actually, I gave him a few books, just some I had at home that Zac & Kasper had outgrown. You should of seen the look on his face when I told him they were his to keep. You have no idea how singling a child out and making them feel so special can have such a negative effect on me as a teacher. Well, I shouldn’t say completely negative. I loved seeing the smile on this kids face, and I also hope that I somehow managed to instill a love of books in him, but the downfall is that for the remainder of my time teaching him, he was glued to my side with constant questions and eager for attention. Times that by 25 other 6 yr olds who are all pining for the same attention whilst I am trying to stick to my program and actually teach these kids. It is so sad that some kids don’t get the attention at home that they so desperately crave.
Reading to a class of kids and grabbing their complete attention with my crazy voices and roaring of tigers would have to be the most enjoyable part of being a teacher. But ask Zac and Kasper what they think of having a mum who’s a teacher and they will tell you how many times I pick them up on their grammar…not to mention the extra homework I can give them as a punishment…lol. Zac…”Can I bring my phone camping?”….Me…”It’s can I TAKE my phone camping”…followed by “no you can’t”. I’m hoping that when they are sitting in a job interview in the future they will thank me for all the times I corrected them.
Thanks MUM for the love of reading!!!
Nice work on giving the little boy some books. I think its so important for our development. I wonder how I’ll handle that as a mother, like Mark said, electronic entertainment is just so easy – I would hate to think this replaced books in all aspects. Let’s all just pick up a book again eh? Don’t worry – your kids will be thanking you. Just like we are thanking Mum & Dad now for the lessons they have taught us. We once thought them to be a pain in the arse, but now we see the true value the added to our lives.
They’re not going to like this, but tell Zac & Kasper that when they mature a little more, they will understand.
mwahaha
I couldn’t imagine life without a book to read. I can’t go to sleep at night unless I read. Even if I get home at 4am I still have to read. My Mum and Dad both read and I can remember we always had books to read and I don’t think a birthday or xmas went by when we didn’t receive a book. Also early days at Sunday school we always received a book at the end of each year. I have fond memories of some of those early religious story books. I can’t remember the name of it but one was about missionaries and I wanted to be a missionary for years! Libraries are a wonderful place to visit. I love sharing books too, they need to go around. I don’t really have a favourite book, there are just too many that I really enjoy.
I love books that make me cry, think (not too deep) and laugh.
I’m so glad you all enjoy reading. I did always read to you when you were young. Who remembers ‘The Luck Dragon’? I think that’s the name of it.
Keep up the good reading xxx
Do you mean ‘Never ending Story?’ I also remember a great hardcover beatrix potter collection that you bought me Mum. I still have that one, along with ‘One, Two Ballerina Shoe’ (Which i THINK, Katrina Beach gave me for my 4th or 5th birthday. See… Books have stories to tell.. (Pun Intended) they create history and memories. Good to hear you are still reading.
(Also, kind of strange to learn my mother went from wanting to be a missionary, to not baptising her children, what happened there? Had a fight with God? haha)
Love you Mum, thanks for sharing your joy of reading xx
Haha….religion…what is that????
Yes Don Don I do remember the ballerina book, I think we wore that one out! Do either of my beautiful sisters remember the pony club books? Or what about the most unforgettable and disturbing book of all time…”Where did I come from”? Come to think of it, I think I read that book after I watched u be born Don Don, mmm, maybe i was meant to do it the other way round… Lol.
I am actually having the day off today and I am in bed reading a great book! (and occasionally sleeping)
Oh and Mell, I can’t imagine anything negative coming from u sharing a book with a little boy who didn’t have one, such a beautiful thing to do, mwa! Oh and yes we salute u mum, u did lots of things right… Reading to us being one of them… Love u xox.
Oh Tam, spend a day having 30 little ones pining for your attention, then go home to your own 4, then cook dinner, wash clothes, get up and make lunches and go to work and do it all over again….every single day. I love kids, but the constant questions and attention seeking is very draining…not to mention trying to make sure you are giving each child equal attention cos you know they get none at home!
I remember ‘where did I come from’..in fact Digby’s mum gave me a copy of it when she was cleaning out…Zac and Kasper have both read it and Zac asks lots of questions. They both saw Ronans birth about the same age as we were when we saw Donna’s birth. Such a beautiful memory.
Oh yeah, for those of you who don’t know… I was a miracle witnessed by all. I’ve heard I was very peaceful as I exited my mothers womb whilst my siblings watched in amazement at the miracle child which was me!….. Ok, I’m taking the piss.. but really, my sisters watched my birth. Some might say Eww, but I say it’s pretty cool. They literally met me the minute I was born and were blessed on that day for having me in their lives… Ok, I’ll stop now. hahahaha
Just added a new book to the Photo rotator above. You can all imagine the thoughts that came to my mind when I saw this book. Pa Smith and spearmint, non fluoride toothpaste that left your mouth all furry. (I’m pretty sure it was just a tube of Lichens and some peppermint oil.)
Like Mark, I used to be a compulsive reader, only to have it largely replaced by digital media. (Let’s be honest, though, TV is your friend.) I’d find an author I’d like, get hooked on them, and read pretty much everything they had. John Irving (A Prayer for Owen Meany is still one of my favorites), Kurt Vonnegut, Stephen King, etc. Occasionally a non-fiction book would sneak in, but bah, those aren’t as fun.
I’ve started back up with Game of Thrones, but at the rate I’m going, I should finish the series about 8 years after I die of old age.
Oooo I like stephen king too. What’s better is they made some pretty good movie adaptations too. (Mark had me watching Misery before I left Perth – Not that there was any correlation with those things, the movie was good and I really like Mark.) haha
How’s GoT’s going? I’ll try not to spoil the second season for you whilst you’re still reading chapter one.